Coccidiosis
What is Coccidiosis
This is a
disease that is commonly found in calves from the age of one to six months but
older cattle can be affected. Bacteria
damage the lining of the intestine by rupturing the cells in the lining,
causing diarrhoea, which may contain blood. Other symptons are loss of
weight, rapid dehydration and loss of appetite. Death may occur from these symptoms or complications such as
pneumonia. The bacteria multiply rapidly and infection spreads fast.
Causes
Coccidiosis is
caused by one-celled parasites called Eimeria zuernii and Eimeria
bovis, collectively known as Bovine Coccidia. Bovine coccidian collects in manure and so
can easily be transmitted. The oocyst is the bacteria cell
From www.agric.gov.ab.ca
From